The All Ireland Even Age Cross Country championships took place in Santry Demense November 22nd 2015. There were 16 juvenile club athletes who made the journey from Bandon to Cork to compete as follows:-
Callum McCourt – Boys U10 race running on the Cork team.
Boys U14 team of Niall Desmond, Rory Desmond, Peter Ronan, Gavin Kelleher, Ruairi Harrington and Fionn Harrington.
Girls U14 team of Jane Buckley, Jane Buttimer, Caoimhe Deasy, Olivia Tuthil, Nicola Tuthil and Katie Murphy.
Naoise O’Fhaitheartaigh – Boys U16 race competing on the Cork team.
Fiona Everard and Bethany Haigh running for Cork and Munster in the girls U18 race.

All athletes put in great performances and they should all be very proud of their achievements. It is important to remember they were part of the group of top runners in the country having qualified to compete in this national event.

Callum McCourt who competed in the U12 race on the Cork team had a really strong and well paced race and he finished in an excellent 11th place earning himself an individual All Ireland medal and he also helped the Cork team take the top prize. Jane Buckley who was running out of age in the U14 race had a very impressive run and after competing in the top group for the entire race she finished in an excellent 8th place overall. She also helped the Cork and Munster team win the gold medal places. Naoise O’Fhaitheartaigh ran in a very competitive boys U16 race and he was part of the Cork team who won the gold, earning himself a well deserved all Ireland County medal.

Fiona and Bethany were in action in the girls U18 race having both qualified to compete on the Cork and Munster teams. Bethany had a very good run and was the 2nd scoring Cork girl home but the county team finished just outside the medals. Fiona continued her good form over the season and she finished in a very strong 5th place. She also scored on the Munster team helping the provence win the silver place.

Well done to all our athletes today and thanks to the coaches for all the hard work. A special thanks to the parents and guardians who support the athletes throughout the season.

Report and photos by Tom Laffan